The drill is to open a book to a random page and then, without looking, point to a place on the page. The word or words nearest the pointing finger becomes the prompt.
Today I opened The Last Drive to page 163, and my finger landed close to “The Beautiful One.”
The Beautiful One by John W. Howell © 2023
“I’m so jealous.”
“Of what, dear sister.”
“You get to go to parties and have a good time.”
“You can do the same if you wish.”
“Not likely.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Look at me.”
“And I see a lovely young woman.”
“You are saying that ’cause you know that I’m plain.”
“I wish you would quit saying that. You are not plain. You have a wonderful body and personality to match.”
“You are such a good sister. You know the right things to say.”
“Why don’t you come out with me tonight.”
“You know I can’t.”
“We’ll get someone to come in.”
“That won’t help. She gets frightened around strangers.”
“You know mom should be put in a home.”
“That is never going to happen.”
“I know I’ll stay home and keep you company.”
“That won’t help. You should go. Your beauty should not be wasted here.”
“I know what I’m about to say you will argue with me about.”
“What’s that?”
“You are the beautiful one.”
“I will argue with you on that.”
“I’ll fix popcorn, and we can argue during a movie.”
Fiction Favorites 
Beauty isn’t skin deep.
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Good point, GP.
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We all have a certain beauty if we are willing to look for it.
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I agree. Also we need to consider our own perception of beauty rather than relying on others to define it for us. 😊
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Really liked this skit.
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Thank you, Charles.
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Kinda sweet, actually!
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Thank you, Vera. That was the intent. 😁
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This situation strikes a familiar cord from the past. I like the solution. Even if it is just a first step.
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I like your first step concept.
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Such nice sisters!
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They are. Thanks, Luanne.
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A couple of the March sisters from Little Women in today’s world.
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Could very well be. Thanks, Luanne.
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Those are wonderful daughters, taking care of Mom like that. And each other. Lovely piece, John.
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Thank you, Staci. 🤗
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Imagine people getting along and helping a third party. These days, it’s like The Twilight Zone.
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So true. Thanks, Craig.
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Beauty comes from within. Very nice, John.
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Thank you, Dan. 😊
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John,
Nice piece today.
If I were to do this, my finger would probably point to an A or THE. Oh well. You have a better finger than I do. 😀😀😀
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“A” or “the” would make a nice prompt. “A dark and stormy night made the dawn a welcome sight.”
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Dang it. You out-foxed me. Well played.
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😊
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Inner beauty is heartwarming, though outer beauty really catches my attention.
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I think we are all the same, Tim. 😁
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Nothing says love like popcorn 🌽🧈🌽
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Miracle cure for a lot of things. Thanks 🐳
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Aww, that’s sweet! Seeing the beautiful person inside is priceless.
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It is, Deborah. Thank you. 😊
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Awww, such a good sister! Love this, John!
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Thank you, Jan. 😊
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Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael.
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You are bringing the truth info the light, John! Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you, Michael. The truth is a wonderful thing.
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Wonderful story, John. Sister talk is universal and caring for Mom is an added blessing. 😊
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Yes it is. Thank you, Gwen
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Sweet!
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Thank you.
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Supportive sisters, I like it!
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I’m glad you do.
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A nice, heart-warming story this week, John. I can truly relate. It’s not easy taking care of our older folks, and we must be mindful of our needs, too.
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Thank you, Debbie. It is not easy.
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Ah, this was really sweet! Thank you for sharing it, John xo
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Thank you, Marie. I’m glad you liked it.
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A heartwarming episode. I enjoyed it.
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I’m glad, Liz
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Arguments made lovingly WITH popcorn as the payoff? If only the whole world could figure it out the way these sisters have.
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It woud be great wouldn’t it?
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I feel a Beach Boys song coming on.
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🤣
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Psst – Isn’t this where you used to live?
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No this is inland. We were in Port Aransas on the Gulf coast.
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Thank you. I didn’t know two places had the same name.
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There is a Aransas county too.
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Jeez, that’s kinda like Erie, PA.
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Ha ha ha. So true. 😊
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Awww…❤️
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Yup. Old softy I am.
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😍
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Sweet story, John. I really liked this one.
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Thank you, Lauren. I’m glad you did. Old softie wrote that one. 😊
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Aww, I’m sending a hug for the old softie. This is wonderful. 🤗
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😁
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LOL, I enjoyed the “Old Softie” side, John. Whatever is wrong with me lately, I expected this to go somewhere weird and wicked, so the lovely ending was actually a twist. You are a clever one, John… 🙂 Hugs.
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I usually try to twist it to the dark side but just didn’t feel it today. Glad you were expecting weird. 😁
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Sigh, my sister was the beautiful one.
Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃
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Certainly not as beautiful as you. ❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃
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Everyone said she was. Her hair was longer than Crystal Gayle’s, swept the floor.
Although inside…. my hair is longer than hers!
❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃❤️
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She had pretty dusty hair then right?
❤️❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃❤️
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Lolololol!
I admit I was a tad envious. I have since as young as I can remember… 4 years old, had long hair adoration.
My mother forbade long hair. So, when we were old enough … mid teens, we grew our hair. Mine stopped growing at my waist. Hers never stopped.
I got over it by the time I was in my mid 20’s.
I developed as an artist… of sorts.
She developed as a person with hair slaves.
She died youngish. RIP dear sister.
❤️❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃❤️❤️
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OMG. I’m so sorry that your sister has passed. Okay no more of my long hair disrespect. ❤️❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃❤️❤️❤️
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❤️❤️❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃❤️❤️❤️
I didn’t read disrespect, dear John.
How would you know?
And I was so envious of her hair for a long time. Egads it was glorious!
Honestly, she had Schizophrenia, was a piece of work, and a bitch if you didn’t know/understand.
Still, she was my sister.
❤️❤️❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃❤️❤️❤️
You are a lovely sensitive person.
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Well you are most understanding❤️❤️❤️ Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃 Ȏ𝖃❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Still trying to get back to ArtGowns. 💋💋
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Just go. Leave me here cold and hungry.
🤗😘
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